Tank cleaning

[sogood]

After having drained very old fuel from the aluminium tank on my boat, I want to clean out the fuel system, including the tank. Removing the tank isn't really an option, so it must be flushed in situ. To facilitate this, I'm considering cutting an access panel into the top of the tank, like sender unit, only bigger. This would then be repaired/ replaced with a heavy gauge aluminium plate, appropriately sealed etc.

Any thoughts on this approach or has anyone done something similar? Thanks in advance.

 

[JoLin]

I'd hire an outfit that does 'tank scrubbing'. aka 'fuel polishing' before I'd cut a hole in the tank. I used the service myself once. A little pricey, but a good part of the cost was for removal and disposal of the old fuel. Call around and see what it'll cost you.

My .02

 

[Scott Danforth]

Dont cut a hole in the tank. That is the fastest way to an explosion.

What kind of boat? What size? Trailered or slipped?Plenty of ways to clean tank in situe without. Doing something unsafe like cutting a hole in the tank

 

[sogood]

Thanks for the responses. I live in Ireland and am not aware of any tank scrubbing services here. As for the boat, it's still on dry land, being refurbed. It will stay on a mooring when finally launched. Details are in my signature and the tank normally holds about 80 gallons, but is empty at the moment.

 

[Scott Danforth]

plenty of fuel scrubbing companies. anywhere in the world where there is a marina, there is a fuel scrubbing service. no fuel system in the world neglected more than marina kept boats (they never get used)

back to your boat. do you have the trailer for it. if so, cleaning the tank will be easy.

drain all the gas
pull the sender
pour in 4-5 gallons of acetone
make a cover to cover the sender hole
find the bumpiest road you have and drive up and down it like your hair is on fire for about 45 mintes
drain the sludge
repeat
drain again
fill with 10 gallons of fuel
repeat run down road
drain again
replace sender
fill with fuel
put new filters in system
go boating

dispose of the acetone and fuel according to your local laws....